HC Deb 15 November 1948 vol 458 cc19-20
29 and 30. Mr. Leslie Hale

asked the Minister of Works (1) whether an official investigation has been made by his Department into the repairs to the Chadderton North Ward Conservative Club and into the circumstances under which a decision was made that proceedings would not be taken; and whether he has any statement to make;

(2) what was the amount of the permit granted to the Chadderton North Ward Conservative Club for repairs and renewals to their property during the year ended 31st March, 1947; and what was the amount actually expended.

Mr. Key

A licence for £90 was granted in November, 1946, and the expenditure on work requiring a licence, in fact, amounted to £186. The discrepancy was investigated by the local authority concerned who undertake proceedings for offences against the building licensing regulations, and they decided not to take proceedings in this instance. I see no reason to override their decision.

Mr. Hale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the members of the local authority concerned were also members of the committee of the Conservative club and that when it was pointed out that it was improper for them to vote on this matter, when it came before the local authority, they all resigned, temporarily, membership of the Conservative club in order to vote against this prosecution? If these are the facts, does not the Minister consider that the matter should be investigated?

Mr. Key

I was not aware of these facts, but I do riot think they make any difference to the question of this licence. The work done without licence at a cost of £96 consisted of overhauling electric lighting, repairs to the lift and roof, and joinery and plumbing repairs. A licence for this would have been granted if application had been made, in addition to the licence already given.

Mr. Hale

While no one doubts the need for light in a Conservative club at this moment, the same considerations should apply to them as apply to ordinary householders.

Major Gates

Will the Minister emphasise that his Department has investigated this case extremely thoroughly and that some of these alterations were to comply with the law which requires emergency lighting in a club of this sort?

Mr. Key

Of course, my Department investigated it and, as I have said, I see no reason to act contrary to the decision of the local authority in this matter.